I would like to applaud the idea of Town Meeting Buddies mentioned by Leslie Hill in the original message in this string. Even though the Moderator does explain the time limit ahead of time, and there is a timer clearly visible on the auditorium screen, it is understandable that a newcomer may not be able to absorb all the new information that is coming their way.
I don’t think anyone needs to sign up for this buddy role – we can each do it by making an effort to introduce ourselves to the people sitting next to us at Town Meeting and offer friendly guidance if any of them is new to town. I have seen this happening many times in the past, but we could each make more of a point of it in the future, myself included. That way, when the Moderator asks a speaker to wind down as the 2-minute limit approaches – as I believe it is entirely appropriate and important for the Moderator to do, for the sake of others who would like to speak – it won’t take the newcomer by surprise. Greta Eckhardt From: Lincoln <[email protected]> On Behalf Of RAandBOB Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 7:38 PM To: Bijoy Misra <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Disrespect at Town Meeting I dispute your allegations. See comments below. Ruth Ann Hendrickson (She, her, hers) On Jun 27, 2025, at 5:55 PM, Bijoy Misra <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Friends, The Moderator could give an extra minute to the newcomer as a courtesy from the town. She tried to. She told her to wrap it up and tell us how she wanted people to vote. The Moderator appeared to be too nervous at the podium. Your personal assessment. There was a line up of Committees that took arbitrary time. The committees were given strict time limits at the moderator’s meeting, which is now an open meeting The whole scenario looked to me pre-cooked. It had no openness or transparency. Pre-planning is not “pre-cooked”. All the boards had pre-posted public discussions at which they voted, as required by the open meeting law. The alternate group tried to raise their voice, but they were easily cut short!. They were given a chance to speak for a pre-agreed period of time. The fincom coverup bothered me most! I am uninformed about this allegation. Regards, Bijoy Misra On Thu, Jun 26, 2025 at 8:01 AM Leslie H <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: To the Lincolnite in the black dress who spoke at the town meeting with concerns regarding LEAP’s resources post community center construction: I want you to know that most people in this community will NOT EVER treat you like many Lincoln residents did at the town meeting. I'm so sorry you were treated that way. It was horrid. Five speakers went over their allotted two minutes and four were treated with respect, you were not. Your gumption to speak up and note the value of accessible aftercare, particularly the absolute treasure that is LEAP, make you a wonderful addition to the community. I am glad you and your family are here. For those who think this newer Lincolnite deserved the very audible boos, “go away”, “oh shut up”, and worse … I hope someone gives you the grace or merely closed lips that you too deserve in a moment when you are bravely speaking in a new setting. If capping speaking at two minutes is more important than basic decency and respect, then please allow town meeting leaders to manage that. We are all behind efficiency at town meetings and poor behavior only further slows things down. If newcomers, nervous public speakers, or those scared of the Town Meeting Mob need a buddy to feel safe while speaking at a town meeting, then sign me up. With hope, Leslie Hill -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
-- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
